3D Printing for a Cause

04/23/2020 11:01PM
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By Jessie Monsivais

By: Jessie Monsivais

When the announcement of a surgical mask shortage came, hundreds of people took to their sewing machines to create homemade masks. Local non-profit groups requested homemade mask donations to help curb the spread of the novel virus and allow healthcare professionals to safely treat infected patients. Having the proper protective gear is crucial for medical staff, doctors, and nurses on the front lines fighting COVID-19.

Adding to the list of organizations supporting our local health care community is a product development company. Innovaum LLC , whose headquarters is here in Corpus Christi, 122is pushing the boundaries of prototype engineering by manufacturing face shields to protect those frontline health care workers. Innovaum LLC is putting all their 3-D printers and equipment to use and have donated over 77 face shields to healthcare staff at hospitals around the area including, Christus Spohn, Doctors Regional Medical Center, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Exclusive Home Health Hospice, Ardent Nursing House, Geo Unit, and 803 Assisted Living.

"We are working to provide face shields to the community’s medical professionals who need them and are also producing face shield versions for sale to the community," Innovaum LLC shares.

Profits from the sales of face shields will support further donations to hospitals around the Coastal Bend. Using state-of-the-art 3-D printers and a small-scale injection molding machine, Innovaum transforms ideas into tangible products. If you have a 3-D printer, the company is offering the face shield 3-D file as a continued effort to help the community stay safe during this difficult time.

Hearing about shortages of crucial medical supplies can easily make one feel helpless. However, keep your head up, there are still actionable things to flatten the curve and support our local health responders. If you have an abundance of masks, donate them. In these uncertain times, individual actions matter.